Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek - 19 days

Travel style - Trekking
Country Nepal
Group size Min 1
Duration 19 days
Level of difficulty Challenging
Max. Altitude: 5,360m
Max. Altitude: 5,360m
transportation Private Vehicle

The Dhaulagiri Circuit walk is a protracted hike that travels through woods, high windswept passes, uninhabited valleys, high alpine pastures, and terraced hills that have been farmed. This strenuous journey necessitates a high degree of fitness because it includes crossing two passes—the French Pass at 5,360 meters and the Dhampus Pass at 5,200 meters—as well as the Dhaulagiri Base Camp at 4,740 meters. The rewards of this journey, however, include breathtaking vistas of Tukuche Peak (6,920 m), Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m), Dhaulagiri II (7,751 m), Dhaulagiri III (7,715 m), and Dhaulagiri V (7,618 m).

The Kali Gandaki is the deepest gorge in the world, while Dhaulagiri rises above it. The circular path offers breathtaking views of the entire Dhaulagiri mountain. Dhaulagiri, which was found in 1808 and is 8,167 meters high, was regarded to be the highest mountain in the world until Kanchenjunga overtook it 30 years later; Mount Everest then reclaimed it!   The French Pass, which leads into the desolate region known as Hidden Valley, was created when a French expedition discovered the Dhaulagiri Circuit route in the 1950s.

The circuit trail passes past towns, terraced farms, rivers, gorges, glaciers, and moraines as it travels. There is plenty of opportunity to admire the stunning mountain scenery because there is time to acclimatize before climbing the high mountains.


Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft).

Welcome to Himalayan country of Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan intl. airport our representative welcomes you and assists to transfer in your hotel in Kathmandu. After time to get refreshed, evening you'll meet and transfer for welcome dinner in one of the typical Nepalese restaurant in the heart of Kathmandu and briefing about your trip and overnight at Hotel.

Day 2:

Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and drive to Beni (671m/2,200ft), 20 minutes flight and 4-5 hrs drive.

Today, we'll transfer to airport for morning flight to Pokhara takes 20 minutes fly and upon arrival guide will receive you and take a bus drive to Beni takes 4-5 hrs drive and overnight at camp.

Day 3:

Beni to Babi Chaur (853m/2,798ft), 5-6 hr walk.

Today, we will start our adventure towards Babi Chaur. After walking for about 5 - 6 hours through steep upward trail and bank of the Myagdi River, we'll reach at Babi Chaur a small village where one can find the mixed inhabitants. We'll spend the night at Babi Chaur at our own camp.

Day 4:

Babi Chaur to Dharapani (1,400m/4,592ft), 5-6 hr walk.

Today we walk for about 2 - 3 hours through steep upward trail to reach Darbang where we take the lunch and later after crossing the Myagdi River we walk again for 3 - 4 hours more to reach Dharapani, where we spend the night. One can witness the Dhaulagiri 1, 2, and 3 from here. Enjoy your evening on tented camp.

Day 5:

Dharapani to Muri (1,850m/6,068ft), 5-6 hr walk.

After the breakfast we walk for about 5 - 6 hours, through steep upward and downward trails and crossing various small villages, reach to Muri, where we spend the night. Muri is a nice village from where one can see the beautiful view of mountains and overnight at camp.

Day 6:

Muri to Bagar (2,080m/6,822ft), 5-6 hr walk.

We start continues our walk through flat land and steep up and down hill and the forested path for about 5 - 6 hours and lastly we reach to a village called Bagar where we will stay tonight at our camp and this village is the last village on this trail before cross.

Day 7:

Bagar to Dobang (2500m/8,200ft), 5-6 hrs walk.

This morning we'll start our trek further to Dobang descend through the scenic landscapes and forested path but can not get any peaks view this day but during the walk on the trail we can have the view of beautiful landscape and after walking for about 5 - 6 hours through the forest to Jyardan and after here climb high winding path & rocky area, we descends and climb to Lapche Kharka then further climb we'll reach at Dobang, where we stay overnight at camp.

Day 8:

Dobang to Italian Base Camp (3,660m/12,005ft), 6-7 hr walk.

Today we'll walk through the dense forest and the river banks for about 6-7 hours and we reach to Italian Base Camp where we spend the night. Once, when during an adverse weather, a group of Italian people, who were heading towards the base camp has to camp at this place and they were the first trekkers who pitched the camp at that place and since then, it is being known as Italian base camp and overnight at tent.

Day 9:

Acclimatization day (3,660m/12,005ft).

Today, we'll have full day at rest and relax at the camp. You may have chances to explore the surrounding areas and enjoy the view and overnight at tented camp.

Day 10:

Italian base camp to Dhaulagiri base camp (4,750m/15,580ft), 6-7 hr walk.

We trek through the snowy and long trail to get to Dhaulagiri base camp. This is most difficulty path but breath taking view and climbing up to the camp. It takes 6-7 hrs journeys and can be feel short breath to reach at base camp. We can sighted Tukche Peak (6837 m.) becomes visible straight on; at the far end while the impressive north flank of Dhaulagiri I (8167 m.) dominates the skyline to your right. After a short while you will reach Dhaulagiri Base Camp (3660 m), which is also the site of your camp for the night. To the west are the peaks of Dhaulagiri II (7751m), Dhaulagiri III (7715 m) and Dhaulagiri V (7618 m). We will enjoy the night at tented camp.

Day 11:

Dhaulagiri base camp to French Col (5,360m/17,581ft), 5-6 hr walk.

Today we'll walk on the snowy trail takes 5-6 hrs to get to French Col from here we can see the Mt. Dhaulagiri including the massif ranges of Annapurna as well. You can enjoy the scenic view of Dhaulagiri and down to camp site 5,050 meters for the overnight.

Day 12:

Acclimatization at camp (5,050m/16564ft).

You will have full day to relax and rest at French Col and enjoy the scenic view of high mountains and overnight at camp.

Day 13:

Camp to Dhampus Pass (5,230m/17,155ft) to Yak Kharka (3,680m12, 070ft), 6-7 hr walk.

We'll start our hard day to cross the pass through the snowy trails walk on your own pace and slowly get to the top. After the summit trek down to the Yak Kharka and it takes on total 6-7 hrs walking time and enjoy the magnificent view of the mountain and landscape.

Day 14:

Yak Kharka to Tukuche (2550m/8,364ft), 5 hrs walk.

Today we walk for about 2 hours through the plane trail and after crossing plain trail we walk for about 3-4 hours more through steep downwards to reach at Tukuche village where we spend the night. This place is settled on bank of Kaligandaki River and village of Thakali inhabitant. Also famous for home made apple brandy and garden of apple where we'll stay overnight at our campsite.

Day 15:

Drive to Tatopani (1,200m/3937ft), 2-3 hurs.

After breakfast you will driveto Tatopani where you can take(natural hot spring bath). Explore the local place and overnight at lodge.

Day 16:

Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft), 6-7 hrs walk.

Spending wonderful day at hot spring we trek down before crossing a suspension bridge over the Kaligandaki river, the path leads by the river for a while just arriving at the junction of the two trails, the other wide path follows the river all the way to Beni. We diverts from here taking the left uphill climb, the first of the climb is quite steep to the top, and continue with farms and villages, from this spot a gradual climb leads us most of the day, leaving behind the terraced fields walking in the dense rhododendron forests and reaching at Ghorepani for the overnight at tented camp. This is a great place for mountain scenery and Kaligandaki valley.

Day 17:

Poon hill hike and trek to Ulleri and drive to pokhara.

As briefing yesterday evening, we hike to early morning for 40 minutes up to Pun hill and en-route offering the glimpse of aurora walking through the pleasant rhododendron forest. Pun hill named after the hill tribe Pun, inhabitants of Ghorepani/Shikha village. This is wide range of panoramic scenery from the far western Himalaya of Dolpo, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna including Mt. Machhapuchre (Fish Tail) and all the way to Manasalu Himalayan range. It is picturesque Himalayan scenery and good memorable moments spending an hour to the top. After a great time return back to Ghorepani for breakfast and continue trek to ulleri which is 3 hours walk and driveto pokhara for overnight.

Day 18:

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft), 7-8 hrs drive.

Morning we'll drive back through the scenic countryside and en route will stop for breakfast & lunch. It takes 7 hours back to Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu guide will transfer to the hotel and rest of the day relax or explore the surrounding areas and overnight at hotel.

Day 19:

Departure from Kathmandu.

Today is free or last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives for you until your departure flight/drive or to commence any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If departing, you'll be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination.


Inclusion

Cost Inclusive:
  • Airport arrival and departure by private vehicle
  • 3 star accommodation in Kathmandu & pokhara with breakfast
  • Sightseeing trip with city tour guide in Kathmandu
  • Tourist bust to beni and fly back from jomsom to pokhara/kathmandu.
  • Full board meal(breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee) in during the trek
  • Comfortable tent accommodation during the trek
  • Trek leader (English speaking, First Aid and eco trained), Sherpa helper, and all payments
  • Dhaulagiri entry fee and necessary permits
  • Down jacket and four seasonal sleeping bag
  • Exclusive medical kit bag
  • All government and local taxes.

Exclusion

Cost Exclusive
  • Departure taxes
  • Lunch and dinner in city
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills & extra porters
  • Tips for driver,guides and porters.

Helpful Info

Meals and Accomodation 

To ensure a comfortable stay and a calm atmosphere before and after your journey, we utilize 3 star hotels in Kathmandu. At the hotel in Kathmandu, all breakfasts are free. Most rooms are twin sharing.
We supply ample amounts of high-quality meals from tea houses and mountain lodges while you are on the hike. During the trekking time, we offer full board service for all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and tea & coffee from the teahouse menu). While trekking on Everest, guests stay in guesthouses, which are simple buildings with typically shared utilities but excellent accommodations. Showers are accessible in some guesthouses; in those without showers, there are private facilities where you can sponge bathe.

Luggage while on Trekking

During trek your main luggage will be carried by porters or pack animals (usually yaks or cross breeds). You simply carry a day pack with water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket, etc. - a small load that allows full enjoyment of the trek. A trek bag is ideal for your main luggage, plus a small lockable bag for travel clothes or anything that you do not need during trek which you can leave at hotel’s locker room/safe deposit box in Kathmandu for free of charge. Weight allowance at Nepal’s domestic airlines is 15 Kgs, excess weight is chargeable at USD 1 or more per Kilo depending on sectors.

Ground Leader and Crew

1) Trained Nepali Trek leader (experienced and knowledgeable)
2) Sherpa Guide (handles the logistics and guides you and your team on the trek)
The Sherpa guide (commonly called Sirdar) will be accompanied by a crew of porters. On camping trek, there will be 2/3 porters for each members while on GAP and on Lodge trek 1 porter for 2 members.

Join a group or private Trip:

Our trips are available on both fixed departure and private basis. If you are looking for a group to join this trip please check our ‘departures’ link for availability, dates and price. If you would like to travel independently, or with your friends, families & colleagues you are invited to choose any of the trips at your convenient timeframe for any number of people (minimum 1 & maximum 100 at a time).

If you want to do something that is not included in our trip list we are ready to tailor a trip to suit your exact requirements. In short, we will make every effort to get you on the trip you want, when you want.

Group Size and Fixed Departure Date:

If you opt to join our ‘fixed departure trip’, you are likely to be joining people from different countries of any age group except minors. The size of group varies, minimum no of persons required to operate a trip is 2 the maximum is 15 people.

Personal Expenses

Personal expenses depend largely on the type of trek, duration and the trekking region.

If you are on Camping or Tea house trek all meals will be provided. You only need money for table drinks (alcoholic/non alcoholic beverages), snacks while walking (a few smaller shops are available along the trail in some areas) tips, souvenirs, hot shower (available in some places).

If you are on ‘GAP’ trek style you need to pay for all your meals. NPR 1000-1500 a day should be enough to cover your meals. We pay for your accommodation at mountain hut (tea house) along the trail and bear all the expenses of staff assigned by us.

Tips are appreciated by your support team after the trip. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. As a suggestion, we advise you to allocate 5 - 10% of the total tour cost as tips.

Flight and Transfers

You can choose any mode of transport to commute from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Please do check for piece difference. From Kathmandu, you take a 30 minutes scenic flight to Pokhara and drive to Phedi or we drive for 8 hours from Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway to Phedi. The starting point of the trek is Phedi. On your return, our car/bus shall pick you from Nayapul and drive to Pokhara. You can choose between flying or driving back from Pokhara to Kathmandu. We will arrange the transportation from your hotel to the airport (Kathmandu).

Communication  and Electricity:

While trekking in the remote parts, you may not have an access to telephone facility for some days or weeks. However, en route there may be few places where telephone facilities may be available and likely to be working.  There is  electricity  facility entire trekking trails in Nepal  thus  there won’t be any problem  to re-charge your battery and  cameras.If it is crucial for you to keep in contact with your family or others, Adventure Magic Treks can provide you a mobile satellite phone (rental charge on request).

How do you find us in Kathmandu ?

You need to pass on your International flight details to us for a “meeting and greeting” service at airport. You just pass on the Customs and come out of the Terminal building where you will see someone standing with a placard with either ‘Adventure Magic Treks’ or your name written on it. Our airport representative or tour officer will greet you and welcome you with a garland.

Climate and Best Time to go .

The best seasons to trek in the Annapurna region are Autumn (from mid-September till November end) and Spring (from the beginning of March until mid-May). Temperatures will drop considerably as you trek higher everyday. The nights are cold (between -20 C to 5C) but the days are sunny and hot (between 10C to 30C). The mornings are usually clear, with clouds building up during the afternoon, disappearing at night. Trekking during the monsoon is not recommended, as the visibility during monsoon is limited. Trekking in the winter is possible; however, it is much colder than Autumn and Spring.

March, April, October and November are the most popular and favored months for traveling. Please choose the date that is convenient for you.

Itinerary Changes

The itineraries for each trip should be taken as a guideline only. Depending on the prevailing situation, you can modify it to some extent after consulting with your guide. However, the date of trek completion should always coincide with the original itinerary.

You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip into the remotest region, where many unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your guide will suggest the best alternative similar to your original.

Trek Duration  

We ensure liability as per indicated itinerary and list of services. If the holiday is cut short or completed earlier than the projected period upon client’s wish, we shall not be responsible or make refund against unutilized days or services. Clients need to pay extra for Hotels/services incurred in Kathmandu or elsewhere in such cases.

Visa

All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. Visa is also issued at the entry points. It can be extended at the Department of Immigration, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fee. People willing to get entry Visa at the air port or any of the land entry points are required to fill a visa form with passport photograph. So, please download form from the link below (visa form) and get ready while you are passing through the immigration Point.

Gratis visa for 30 days available only for tourists of SAARC countries
Multiple entry 15 days - US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 30 days - US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 90 days - US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency

Tourist Visa Extension

If you plan to obtain your visa in your country, you can download the application form from the website at: www.immi.gov.np

Vaccinations

As vaccination requirements change frequently, we suggest you to consult your doctor at least 2 months prior to the beginning of your trip. We recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis and polio.

First Aid Kid  

We supply a medical bag with standard medicines prescribed by trekking doctors. Since our staffs/guides are not qualified for suggesting medications to western clients, we would request you to use the medicines upon your own risk. It is safer and more reliable if you have your own medicine kit and not depend on what we have.

Altitude :

Altitude Sickness has the potential to affect all travelers from 2500m and higher our itinerary is planned in such a way that you make very gradual ascend, spending some days at a low elevation to build necessary acclimatization before walking up to Annapurna south base camp at 4130m (the highest point on this trek). When you are at high altitude, your body needs time to adjust to smaller quantities of oxygen in the air at 5500m/18,044ft; the air pressure is approximately half that of sea level, i.e. there is half the amount of oxygen.

Rescue and   Evacuations

In case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we believe will not happen; we will do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back to Kathmandu.

Insurance

Before joining a tour, we recommend you to take a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation.

Responsible Travel

Wonderful environment of the Himalayas is also an extremely fragile one. Increasing population density and numbers of trekkers threaten the very beauty of Nepal. At Adventure Magic Treks , we are extremely conscious about the environment and aim to minimize our impact as much as possible.
As deforestation is one of the greatest environmental threats, we do not have camp fires and use kerosene for cooking as an alternative fuel to wood. We also discourage trekkers from using wood-fuelled hot showers in lodges along the way. Many lodges, however, now provide solar hot showers, a far more eco-friendly alternative.
Garbage disposal is another major problem and some of the busier trails can, at times, appear strew with litter. Our staff members are well motivated towards eco-friendly practices. We carry out all our garbage, apart from that which can be safely and easily burnt at the campsite. Our aim is to help protect and preserve this beautiful environment for future generations of trekkers to enjoy.

Trip Extensions

In addition to your trek, we can organize extensions both within Nepal and other neighboring countries. You may want to try water rafting or a jungle safari in Nepal or Nepal Cultural Tour. You may as well take a trip to Tibet, India or Bhutan, whichever seems more appealing to you. Since the trek ends in Pokhara, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal, it would be nice and relaxing for you to spend a day or two taking in the sights and sounds of this scenic city.

Social Responsibility

Adventure Magic Treks  works with the motto ‘Development through Tourism’. Keeping in line with this motto, Adventure Magic  Community Service Project  was imagine to authorize deprived, marginalized, poor and minority section of Nepal.

Staff’s Care:

We ensure that all the porters and other staffs going into high altitude conditions are provided with adequate clothing and equipment. We are the first ever company to supply high-altitude porters with crampons. Therefore we are lifetime member of Keep.

 


Trekking Gears

Clothing and Equipment List for Trekking in Himalayas:

Our main paramount is to offer safe and enjoyable trek for your clients.As part of the booking process, we will provide you with a comprehensive clothing and equipment list for proposed trekking .Experienced trekkers will often take only a selection of these items based on what has worked in the past.Please find the equipment list below for your personal use during your traveling period.

Foot wear:Walking boots, Wool and liner socks, sandals

Clothing:

Waterproof jacket and trousers, Trekking trousers, Long sleeve shirts, Micro fleece, Mid to heavyweight fleece, Sleeveless or body warmer type fleece, Thermals or base layer for top & bottom (merino wool or synthetic), Fleece pants, Medium weight down jacket

Hand wear: Fleece gloves, Warms mittens and/or gloves

Head wear: Wool or fleece hat, Sun hat, Scarf, Head torch and extra batteries,Sunglasses

Personal Equipment:

Sleeping bag, Backpack large enough to carry water bottles, camera and extra clothing, Stuff sacks for keeping your gear dry and organized, two water bottles (Nalgene wide mouth bottles are the best), Sunscreen and lip salve with a high SPF, Insect repellent, Water purification tablets (Pristine, Biox Aqua or Aqua Mira), Favorite snack food, Books, iPod and cards etc, Trekking poles, Camera with spare batteries and memory cards, Insurance certificate.

Travelling:

Duffle bag or large backpack for your personal gear on the trek (carried by a porter), Bring a small combination padlock to secure the bag, Travel clothes. You will need casual clothing for air travel days and time spent in Kathmandu, Toiletry bag include toilet paper, soap, towel, toothbrush, etc.

Personal first aid kit:

Any personal medications, Diamox (optional) helps with acclimatization.

For every one of our outings, we always bring down sleeping bags and jackets.The list above is just one "rough idea" of the equipment you should pack before leaving home. One backpack should be brought by each hiker for goods needed during the day.Warm clothes, a jacket, a camera, water bottles, a personal first aid kit, and daytime food will all be included in your daypack. A porter will transport the remainder of your personal items, which are contained in a duffel bag or backpack.The maximum weight authorized is 15 kilograms (33 pounds), and we are adamantly opposed to any form of porter exploitation.